Mission

The mission of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is:

To educate students to become professional mechanical and aerospace engineers who are confident in their understanding of science and technology, who are creative in the face of new challenges, and whose analytical skill and thirst for lifelong learning will open new career horizons.
To contribute to society through the conduct of relevant research at the forefront of mechanical and aerospace engineering knowledge and to provide opportunities for students to participate and learn through mentorship with the faculty.
To serve the nation, the community, and the university.

Program Educational Objectives

GW's undergraduate mechanical engineering program provides an integrated curriculum aimed at producing graduates who develop successful careers in mechanical engineering practice or in science and technology. Graduates are expected to accomplish the following within a few years after graduation:

Be productive and effective members of teams that complete engineering projects of increasing complexity, and gain advancement in responsibility while pursuing successful engineering careers in industry, government, or the non-profit sector; and/or
Successfully pursue advanced degree(s) and/or publish, patent, or market the results of research and development, or pursue other creative efforts in science, technology or engineering; and/or
Utilize engineering knowledge and skills to successfully pursue careers in other professions, such as law, medicine, business, education, or public policy; and
Provide service to their community and profession, such as leadership, outreach, mentoring, reviewing/editorship, organizing professional meetings/events, etc.

Student Outcomes

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Questions and comments about MAE mission and educational objectives should be directed to [email protected].

Mission of the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)

Please visit the School of Engineering and Applied Science to learn more about our mission.